Wailuku Riverfront Park - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures Because of the lack of native flora and fauna, no adverse impacts would occur as a result of clearing and improvements. A representative of the Hilo Outdoor Circle noted the value of the banyan tree, palms and bamboo clump that will be preserved and also requested that the County consider preserving another banyan tree near Kamehameha Avenue (identified with an "X" in Fig 2). The representative also recommended landscaping with native plants. Mitigation Measure: The Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation commits to preserve the Puueo banyan tree and Wainaku bamboo clump, and other palms as it deems appropriate. P &R will also consider preservation of the banyan near Kamehameha Avenue as park plans progress. Native plants will be given priority in landscaping plans, although exotic species may also be utilized. The lower sections of the Wailuku River's banks are highly urbanized. Operation of the park would not affect the levels of sediment or pollutants reaching the river and would not in other ways affect aquatic habitat. Construction would, in general, be extremely minor in nature and unlikely to cause adverse impacts. Mitigation Measure: During any construction with the potential to cause sedimentation or other pollution, the County of Hawaii will ensure that Best Management Practices (BMPs) are in place to avoid such impacts. Although the Hawaiian hawk and the hoary bat are endangered species, they are wide ranging. The general area is not considered to be part of essential habitat for either species. It is unlikely that any adverse impact upon bats or hawks would result from the proposed project. Mitigation Measure: Should `io nests or bat roosts be found during construction or clearing, activities in the immediate area will be suspended until contact is made with the Protection Forester, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAM in Hilo and the Endangered Species Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Honolulu. Construction activity will not resume until mitigation efforts are completed. 3.2.4 Air Quality,Aoise, and Scenic Resources Environmental Setting Air pollution in the Hilo area from manmade sources is minimal. Volcanic emissions of sulfur dioxide convert into particulate sulfate which causes a volcanic haze (vog) to blanket the area during occasional episodes when trade winds are not present. The site is located within attainment area and not adjacent to a CO source that generates CO in excess of the 8 -hour standard of 10 mg/m3 at project site. 10